Hot Halloween costumes for 2011

Costumes for pets have grown into a huge category, but no single universal trend seems to have emerged. According to the NRF costume survey, popular costumes this year included pumpkins, devils, hot dogs and bees. Also in the top 10 were cat ranked at fifth place and dog at ninth place.

Pet costumes were not readily available just a few years ago. But nowadays, families intending to take their dogs to parades or on trick-or-treating runs can select complementary costumes for their pets -- Astro for a family of Jetsons, for example.

Dressing up with a bowtie, fancy collar or bandana, rather than subjecting a pet to a full costume, was also a popular response in the retail federation's survey.

Siegel-George agrees one of HalloweenMart's best-sellers for pets might not be considered an actual costume.

Instead, the "dog riders" are tiny saddles attached to straps, complete with toy "passengers" that include a cowboy, headless horseman or even a monkey. Strap one onto a dog and turn it into a mighty steed. Prices range from $19.99 to $22.99 for the most expensive option, a circus monkey.

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